Non-contact optical connections for firearm accessories

ABSTRACT

A tactical rail arrangement for a firearm includes a tactical rail configured to secure one or more firearm accessories to a firearm, wherein the tactical rail includes a plurality of non-contact optical connections configured to transfer optical signals between one or more accessories mounted to the tactical rail and/or to one or more electrical systems of the firearm.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 62/250,131, filed Nov. 3, 2015. The contents ofwhich are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

BACKGROUND Field

This disclosure relates to a firearm rail and firearm accessoriesconfigured to transfer data using non-contact optical connections andoptical signals.

Description of Related Art

Firearms can include a tactical rail (e.g., a Picatinny or Weaver rail)configured to receive and secure various accessories. For example,accessories coupled to the tactical rail may include a laser, nightvision scope, range finder, camera or other type of accessory thatutilizes power. The accessories may also send or receive data.

SUMMARY

Example embodiments described herein have several features, no singleone of which is indispensable or solely responsible for their desirableattributes. Without limiting the scope of the claims, some of theadvantageous features will now be summarized.

A firearm can include a tactical rail for receiving and securing one ormore firearm accessories. The tactical rail can include one or morenon-contact optical connections configured to interface with acorresponding non-contact optical connection on a firearm accessory.When the accessory is mounted on the tactical rail, the non-contactoptical connections on the rail and accessory align sufficiently suchthat optical signals can be transferred between the rail and theaccessory to enable communication of optical signals between accessoriesmounted on the rail and/or between an accessory mounted to the rail andthe firearm itself (e.g., a control or communication system integratedinto the firearm or otherwise associated with the firearm).

A firearm accessory can include a transmit non-contact opticalconnection associated with a transmitter optical sub-assembly (TOSA) anda receive non-contact optical connection associated with a receiveroptical sub-assembly (ROSA). The TOSA is configured to convertelectrical signals to optical signals and transmit the optical signalsthrough the transmit non-contact optical connection. The ROSA isconfigured to receive optical signals through the receive non-contactoptical connection and convert the received optical signals toelectrical signals. Thus, the firearm accessory can be configured totransmit and receive optical data to a tactical rail with non-contactoptical connections and/or other firearm accessories with non-contactoptical connections.

A tactical rail for a firearm can include a plurality of non-contactoptical connections configured to transfer optical signals between oneor more accessories mounted to the tactical rail and/or to one or moreelectrical systems of the firearm. In some embodiments, the tacticalrail can include a transmit optical sub-assembly (TOSA) and a receiveoptical sub-assembly (ROSA) respectively coupled to one or more transmitnon-contact optical connections of the plurality of non-contact opticalconnections and to one or more receive non-contact optical connectionsof the plurality of non-contact optical connections. Thus, the tacticalrail can be configured to provide a communication network foraccessories mounted to the tactical rail, wherein communication betweenaccessories utilizes optical signals. The tactical rail can also beconfigured to control communication across the communication networkutilizing a communication system, the communication system beingintegral to the firearm or otherwise associated with the firearm.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Aspects and advantages of the embodiments provided herein are describedwith reference to the following detailed description in conjunction withthe accompanying drawings. Throughout the drawings, reference numbersmay be re-used to indicate correspondence between referenced elements.The drawings are provided to illustrate example embodiments describedherein and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure.

FIG. 1A illustrates an example tactical rail of a firearm, the tacticalrail having a plurality of non-contact optical connections.

FIG. 1B illustrates an example modular rail, configured to be attachedto a firearm or other apparatus.

FIG. 1C-1E illustrate example embodiments of a sight system accessory inside elevation, end elevation, and perspective views, respectively.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example accessory for a firearm, the accessoryhaving non-contact optical connections, the accessory configured toattach to the tactical rails of FIGS. 1A and 1B so that the non-contactoptical connections of the accessory align with correspondingnon-contact optical connections of the tactical rail.

FIG. 3 illustrates an electrical diagram of an example transmit opticalsub-assembly (TOSA) and an example receive optical sub-assembly (ROSA).

FIG. 4 illustrates an optical diagram of an example transmit opticalsub-assembly (TOSA) and an example receive optical sub-assembly (ROSA).

FIGS. 5A-5D illustrate an example of a unitary mechanical housing thatincludes a TOSA and a ROSA, the housing including correspondingnon-contact optical connections for the TOSA and the ROSA as well aselectrical pins, shown in perspective, top plan, bottom plan, and sideelevation views, respectively.

FIGS. 6A-6C illustrate a site system with a tactical rail havingnon-contact optical connections on a top rail and a side rail, shown inperspective, top plan, and side elevation views, respectively.

FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-section view of a TOSA and ROSA in an exampletactical rail.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While the present description sets forth specific details of variousembodiments, it will be appreciated that the description is illustrativeonly and should not be construed in any way as limiting. Additionally,although particular embodiments may be disclosed or shown in the contextof tactical rails for rifles, elements of the disclosure may be extendedfor use in handguns and other firearms as well. Further, althoughembodiments disclosed herein can be used with powered tactical rails,embodiments are also contemplated in which the tactical rails do notinclude electrical power connections for firearm accessories. Althoughsome embodiments are illustrated with pairs of non-contact opticalconnections respectively for transmission and receipt of opticalsignals, it will be understood by those having ordinary skill in the artthat, in some embodiments, a single non-contact optical connection canbe used (e.g., for one-way communication or a single non-contact opticalconnection can be configured to transmit and receive optical signals).Additionally, it will be understood that different rail systems can beused, beyond those illustrated herein. In particular, a rail system fora firearm can include the disclosed non-contact optical connectionswithout being a Picatinny or Weaver rail. While military-style firearmsare generally described and illustrated herein, the teachings of thisapplication are equally applicable to other firearms, such as handguns,fixed-mount machine guns, as well as non-weapon based systems. Anyfeature, structure, function, material, method, or step disclosed and/orillustrated in this specification can be used by itself or with orinstead of any other feature, structure, function, material, method, orstep disclosed and/or illustrated elsewhere in this specification. Eachportion of this specification is contemplated to be interchangeable andno portion is indispensable or essential.

FIG. 1A illustrates a tactical rail 102 of a firearm 100, the tacticalrail 102 having a plurality of non-contact optical connections 104. FIG.1B illustrates a modular rail 150, configured to be attached to afirearm or other apparatus. The tactical rail 102 comprises a series ofridges with a T-shaped cross-section interspersed with flat “spacingslots.” Accessories are mounted either by sliding them on from one endor the other; by means of a Weaver mount, for example, which is clampedto the rail with bolts, thumbscrews or levers; or onto the slots betweenthe raised sections. Other connections means are possible.

The tactical rail was originally used for scopes. However, onceestablished, the use of the rail was expanded to other accessories, suchas tactical lights, laser aiming modules, night vision devices, reflexsights, foregrips, bipods, and bayonets. Because rails were originallydesigned and used for telescopic sights, the rails were first used onlyon the receivers of larger caliber rifles. But their use has extended tothe point that tactical or Picatinny rails and accessories have replacediron sights in the design of many firearms, and they are alsoincorporated into the undersides of semi-automatic pistol frames andeven on grips.

The firearm 100 contains standard components, such as receiver, grip,barrel, handguard, and butt stock. The tactical rail 102 can be aPicatinny Rail or MIL-STD-1913 rail (and NATO equivalent—STANAG 4694).The tactical rail 102 can include a bracket used on some firearms toprovide a standardized accessory mounting platform. The tactical rail102 comprises a series of ridges with a T-shaped cross-sectioninterspersed with flat “locking slots” (also termed “recoil groove”).Scopes and other accessories can be mounted either by sliding them onfrom one end of the tactical rail 102 or the other end of the tacticalrail 102 by means of a “rail-grabber” which is clamped to the tacticalrail 102 with bolts, thumbscrews, or levers, or onto the slots betweenthe raised sections.

The accessories attached to the tactical rail 102 can be powered viabattery packs connected or integral thereto. For example, a lithiumbattery may be contained within a battery-housing integral with, orinternal to, the accessory. In some embodiments, the tactical railincludes one or more electrical contacts configured to provide power toaccessories attached to the tactical rail 102. The tactical rail 102comprises a series of ridges 105 with a T-shaped cross-sectioninterspersed with flat spacing slots 110, and can be configured toprovide attachment points to a top and/or sides of the firearm 100.

One example of an accessory for a weapon is a scope which includes areticle which can be illuminated for use in low light or daytimeconditions. Other examples of powered accessories include, but are notlimited to: tactical lights, laser aiming modules, and night visiondevices.

In some embodiments, the tactical rail 102 can be used to electricallyinterconnect a power source (e.g., a battery pack) with the variousaccessories mounted on the rail, such that the tactical rail 102provides the mechanical support for the accessory and also provideselectrical interconnection.

The tactical rail 102 includes a plurality of non-contact opticalconnections 104 configured to transmit and receive optical digitalsignals. The non-contact optical connections 104 can be networkedtogether so that one or more accessories can communicate with oneanother. Generally, the plurality of non-contact optical connections 104are connected to a communication hub configured to receive opticalsignals from the attached accessories. The communication hub can also beconnected to a processing system configured to process, analyze,transform, or otherwise utilize the data transferred from the connectedaccessories. This processed information can be passed back to theaccessory or to a different accessory. For example, a laser range findercan communicate a distance to a target that can be received by theprocessing system and this distance can be transformed and transmittedto a weapon sight mounted on the tactical rail 102 so that the sightdisplays the distance determined by the laser range finder. In someembodiments, the communication hub is configured to communicatewirelessly with a local device or headgear system (e.g., a goggle,battery pack, etc.). The non-contact optical connections 104 can beoptically coupled to fiber optics configured to route optical signalsbetween the non-contact optical connections 104 and/or to thecommunication hub.

In some embodiments, the tactical rail 102 can be a quad rail with fouraccessory mounts. In some embodiments, the accessory mounts arefabricated of thermal plastic. The accessory mounts may receive avariety of accessories such as, for example and without limitation,tactical lights, laser aiming modules, night vision devices, optics,reflex sights, foregrips, bipods, bayonets and others. Non-poweredaccessories may be mounted to the tactical rail 102 as well.

In powered rail embodiments, each of the accessory mounts can beconfigured with integral conductive elements comprising a positivecontact and ground/negative contact. In some embodiments, the positivecontact is incorporated within the fixed side of the accessory mount andthe ground is on the adjustable tab side of the accessory mount. Incertain embodiments, the conductive element is a flat piece ofnon-corrosive metal secured in, and running along all or a portion ofthe length of a groove of the tactical rail. The negative contact can bepositioned on the accessory mount to contact a conductive element alongan oppositely positioned groove in the tactical rail 102. The DC circuitis thus completed when the accessory amount is snapped onto the rail 102thereby allowing power from an external battery, internal battery orboth to power an accessory attached to the accessory mount.

In some embodiments, the battery may be integrated into a firearm (e.g.,butt stock or grip) or attached thereto with a DC contact between thetactical rail 102 and the firearm. Leads or wires within the accessorymounts carry electrical current to power the accessories whichincorporate lead contacts on an outer surface thereof to contact theleads when installed into the mount so as to receive the electricalcurrent from the leads for powering the accessories. In variousembodiments, the accessories may snap into the mounts locking the leadsand lead contacts thereby forming a secure electrical contact.Similarly, non-contact optical connections on the accessory can besubstantially aligned with the non-contact optical connections 104 toprovide optical communication between the tactical rail 102 and theaccessory. The battery or batteries may be located in the fore grip andstock or elsewhere in the forearm or weapon. Besides batteries, smallfuel cells (running on Butane, or water and hydrogen for example) andsolar cells can be used to provide power to the rail.

In one embodiment, a bayonet connection or mount is used to attach theaccessory to the accessory mount. This type of connection provides areliable connection between the accessory and the accessory mount formaintaining the accessory in a secure position and aligning thenon-contact optical connections of the accessory to the correspondingnon-contact optical connections 104.

Control of the accessories may be provided via a wireless systemseparate from the tactical rail 102. In some embodiments, wirelessBluetooth Low Energy (BLE) can be used. In some embodiments, individualrail-mounted accessories incorporate a BLE microprocessor/transceivercapable of sending and receiving wireless signals in a paired,point-to-point arrangement. The BLE signals 215-1 through 215-N may beencrypted as well.

The non-contact optical connections 104 can be arranged to providetransmission of optical signals and reception of optical signals. Insome embodiments, individual ridges (or troughs or valleys) include twonon-contact optical connections, a first non-contact optical connectionis dedicated to transmission of optical signals while a secondnon-contact optical connection is dedicated to receiving opticalsignals. The first can be optically coupled to a transmission opticalsub-assembly (TOSA) and the second can be optically coupled to areceiving optical sub-assembly (ROSA). In some embodiments, a singlenon-contact optical connection is provided on a ridge (or valley) of thetactical rail 102, and the single non-contact optical connection can beconfigured to be optically coupled to a TOSA, a ROSA, or a combinedtransmission and receiving optical sub-assembly.

FIGS. 1C-1E illustrate example embodiments of a sight system 100 thatincludes a tactical rail 108 with non-contact optical connections 104.The sight system 100 can include a housing 102 configured to houseinternal optical components, an image sensor, a display, a power source,controls, and the like. The housing 102 can be configured to bestructurally rigid and durable and lightweight, using, for example,metals such as aluminum, plastics, a combination of these or othersimilar materials. The housing 102 can include controls 105 for a userto adjust how the sight system 100 functions. For example, the controls105 can include a diopter adjustment, a reticle adjustment, amode-switching control, focus controls, zoom controls, power controls,and the like. The housing 102 can include mounting rails 106 that allowsthe sight system 100 to be mounted to a rail of a gun or other device.The mounting rails 106 can be configured to mate with different railtypes including, for example, Picatinny rails, Weaver rails, and thelike.

The 102 housing can include module rails 108 integrated into the housingfor mounting, powering, and connecting to modular add-on componentswhich can be bore-sighted such as, for example, a laser range finder(“LRF”), a thermal imager with close combat or longer range optic, anultraviolet (“UV”) or short-wave infrared (“SWIR”) imager, a UV or SWIRpointer or illuminator, or the like. The module rails 108 can beconfigured to be compatible with modules having Picatinny rails, Weaverrails, or the like. The module rails 108 can be configured to providepower to modules connected thereto through inductive means or throughelectrical contacts. The module rails 108 can be configured to transmitdata between modules attached thereto or to send or receive data fromattached modules. As described herein, the mount rails 106 or modulerails 108 can include data and/or power contacts that provide electricalcoupling, optical coupling, or both between the sight system 100,attached modules, and/or the system to which the sight system 100 ismounted. For example, the rails 106 or 108 can include fiber opticnon-contact optical connectors to optically couple optical signalsbetween a module and the sight system 100, between a module and anothermodule, between a module and the device to which the sight system 100 ismounted, or between the sight system 100 and the device to which it ismounted. The module rails 108 can be integrated (e.g., cast or machinedinto) the housing 102 which can result in suitable alignment between theoptical connectors and corresponding optical connectors on attachedmodules.

The sight system 100 can include a front end optical system 110configured to provide an image of a field of view. The field of view canbe at least about 2° and less than or equal to about 20°, at least about4° and less than or equal to about 15°, at least about 6° and less thanor equal to about 10°, at least about 7° and less than or equal to about9°. The front end optical system 110 can include a reticle at a realimage plane of the optical system. The front end optical system can beconfigured to provide a magnified image of the field of view where themagnification is at least about 1× and less than or equal to about 25×,at least about 2× and less than or equal to about 10×, at least about 3×and less than or equal to about 5×.

The sight system 100 can include an eyepiece 112 configured to provideto a user a direct-view capability where the user sees the optical imageof the field of view of the front end optical system 110. The eyepiece112 can have a field of view that is at least about 15° and less than orequal to about 40°, at least about 20° and less than or equal to about35°, at least about 30° and less than or equal to about 34°.

The sight system can include an image sensor 114 situated within thehousing 102. The image sensor 114 can be any suitable image sensorcapable of converting electromagnetic radiation to electrical data. Forexample, the image sensor 114 can be a focal plane array, such as a CMOSimage sensor, a CCD, or the like. The image sensor 114 can be arelatively high resolution (e.g., about 1 megapixel, about 2 megapixels,about 5 megapixels, or greater than about 5 megapixels),electronic-zoom-capable CMOS imager. The image sensor 114 can beconfigured to see the same bore-sighted image and reticle as the directview channel (e.g., the view provided to the user by a combination ofthe front end optical system 110 and the eyepiece 112). The image sensor114 and associated electronics and modules can be configured to providegreater magnification compared to the direct-view channel (e.g., throughan electronic zoom functionality) and/or an image recordingfunctionality.

The sight system 100 can include a display system (not shown) thatshares the eyepiece 112 with the front end optical system such that thesight system 100 can provide a direct-view mode where the user sees theimage produced by the combination of the front end optical system andthe eyepiece, and a video view mode where the user sees the imageacquired by the image sensor 114 and presented on the display systemthrough the eyepiece 112. The display system can be, for example,monochrome or color and can conform to a video or resolution standardsuch as SXGA, VGA, HD720, HD1080, WGA, and the like. The display systemcan be configured to present magnified imagery from the direct viewchannel by displaying and magnifying image data acquired by the imagesensor 114. The display system can be configured to present imagery orinformation from any module mounted to the module rails 108 such as arail-mounted thermal or other spectral band camera. The display systemcan be configured to present a ballistics-corrected reticle which may bederived from, for example, a mounted LRF.

Thus, the sight system 100 can be configured to provide direct viewsighting, video sighting, video identification, video recording, a datainterface display, and the like. The sight system 100 can be configuredto accept a range of other capabilities by providing a modularattachment system with the module rails 108 using a standardizedelectrical, data, and mechanical interface. For example, the rails canbe similar to power rails manufactured by T.Worx Ventures as describedin U.S. Pat. No. 7,627,975, Wilcox Industries' fusion rail system, orNATO's powered rail standard. The sight system 100 can integrateinfrared functionality thereby reducing or eliminating a need for usingclip-on thermal imagers which can add to the weight of the gun, alterthe balance of the gun, and may be misaligned relative to the bore ofthe gun. In some embodiments, the sight system 100 can provide a directview channel and a relatively high-sensitivity CMOS channel to providesighting during diurnal intervals of low thermal contrast.

In some embodiments, the sight system 100 can include a radio frequency(“RF”) communication system 116 situated within the housing 102. The RFcommunication system 116 can be configured to communicate with externalsystems such as, for example, visualization systems, night visiongoggles, data processing systems, weapons systems, computers, cellulartelephones, PDAs, laptops, or other such electrical devices associatedwith the user or another person. The RF communication system 116 can beutilized to transmit and receive information to these other systems tointegrate information from the sight system 100 to other systems. Forexample, the sight system 100 can be utilized in a rapid targetacquisition (“RTA”) system that combines imagery and other informationfrom the sight system 100 with information from a visualization systemof a user to provide the user with a video display that shows thepointing direction of the sight system on the display of thevisualization system. In this way, the user can quickly adjust an aimingpoint without looking through the sight system 100. In some embodiments,the RF communication system 116 can communicate using any suitablewireless communication such as through the IEEE 802.11 standard,including IEEE 802.11(a), (b), (g), or (n). In some embodiments, the RFcommunication system 116 communicates according to BLUETOOTH™Specification Version 3.0+HS adopted in 2009. In some embodiments, theRF communication system 116 transmits and receives CDMA, GSM, AMPS orother known signals that are used to communicate within a wireless cellphone network. In some embodiments, the RF communication system 116 isan ultra-wide band communication system. In some embodiments, the RFcommunication system 116 is configured to communicate with devices thatare less than about 10 m from the sight system 100. The RF communicationsystem 116 can be configured to have a low probability of interceptionand/or a low probability of detection and a relatively high bandwidth.

In some embodiments, the sight system 100 can include integrated sensorsto provide data to the sight system 100, to attached modules, or toexternal systems through the RF communication system 116. The integratedsensors can be, for example, tilt sensors, inertial sensors,accelerometers, or the like. In some embodiments, information from theintegrated sensors and an attached LRF can be used to derive aballistics-corrected reticle for display on the display system.

The sight system 100 can include a power source 118 situated within thehousing 102. For example, the housing can include one or more batteriesto provide power to the electrical components in the sight system 100and/or to modules attached to the module rails 108.

The sight system 100 can be configured to be relatively light-weightcompared to other sight systems providing similar functionality. Forexample, the sight system 100 can be configured to weigh less than orequal to about 3 lbs., less than or equal to about 2 lbs. or less thanor equal to about 1.5 lbs. Based at least in part on additionalcapabilities provided by the sight system 100 and the significant weightreduction associated with use of rail-mounted imagers or LRF modules inplace of stand-alone weapon mounted systems, the total weight of a gunor weapon system incorporating the sight system 100 can be significantlyreduced.

FIG. 2 illustrates an accessory 200 for a firearm, the accessory havingnon-contact optical connections 204, the accessory configured to attachto the tactical rail of FIG. 1 so that the non-contact opticalconnections 204 of the accessory align with corresponding non-contactoptical connections 104 of the tactical rail 102. As with the tacticalrail 102, the accessory 200 can include two non-contact opticalconnections 204, respectively dedicated to transmitting and receivingoptical signals, or it can include a single non-contact opticalconnection configured to be optically coupled to a TOSA, a ROSA, or acombined transmission and receiving optical sub-assembly.

FIG. 3 illustrates an electrical diagram of a transmit opticalsub-assembly (TOSA) and a receive optical sub-assembly (ROSA). The TOSAcan be coupled to a serializer configured to provide a single outputsignal from one or more input signals. The output signal can be directedto a controller/driver configured to drive a light emitting component(e.g., a VCSEL, LED, etc.). The light emitting component emits anoptical signal that is collimated by a lens and transmitted through awindow. This optical signal can be routed to a corresponding ROSA usinga fiber link (e.g., optical fibers). The ROSA can include a window and alens, the lens configured to substantially direct the received opticalsignal onto a light detecting device (e.g., a photodiode). The lightdetecting device is electrically coupled to an amplifier that is coupledto a de-serializer. The de-serializer is configured to receive an inputsignal and output one or more output signals. The one or more outputsignals of the de-serializer correspond to the one or more input signalsof the serializer. The windows of the TOSA and ROSA are configured toprotect the lens and electrical components of the TOSA and ROSA fromoutside contaminants such as dust, particles, water, etc. In addition,the windows can be be configured to be flush with a surface of anaccessory or tactical rail to provide a relatively smooth surface wherethe non-contact optical connections are located. In some embodiments,the windows include a gasket around the window to reduce or preventcontaminants such as particles or liquids from entering between thecorresponding windows of the TOSA of the tactical rail and a ROSA of anaccessory (or vice versa).

FIG. 4 illustrates an optical diagram of a transmit optical sub-assembly(TOSA) and a receive optical sub-assembly (ROSA). An accessory, such asa goggle or SDGA or a battery pack, can include both a ROSA and a TOSA.The optical signals can be routed between accessories using one or morelenses and one or more fiber links comprising optical fibers. In someembodiments, a TOSA from a first accessory can be coupled directly to aROSA of a second accessory through one or more fiber optic links.Similarly, a TOSA from the second accessory can be coupled directly to aROSA of the first accessory through one or more fiber optic links.

FIGS. 5A-5D illustrate a modular ROSA/TOSA unit 300 comprising unitarymechanical housing 302 that includes a TOSA and a ROSA, the housing 302including corresponding non-contact optical connections 304 for the TOSAand the ROSA as well as electrical pins 306. This modular unit 300 canbe used to provide the described optical signal communication to atactical rail and/or accessory.

FIGS. 6A-6C illustrate a site system 1200 with a tactical rail 1202having non-contact optical connections 1204 on a top rail and a siderail. The site system 1200 can include non-contact optical connections1204 configured to allow the quick addition of modules configured tooptically communicate using compatible optical data link interfaces. Thesite 1200 can include non-contact optical connections 1204 coupled toelectrical circuitry configured to process and/or transmit theinformation to RF transceivers, other modules coupled to the site 1200,a firearm to which the site 1200 is coupled, or any combination of theseor the like.

FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-section view of a TOSA and ROSA in an exampletactical rail 700. The TOSA and ROSA include corresponding lightemitting 701 or light detecting elements 702. The TOSA includescollimating lens 703 and the ROSA includes focusing lens 703. The lightpasses through windows 704. The relatively low power miniature opticaltransmitter and receiver modules and small wide gap coupling optics 702,703 can be used to transmit high-bandwidth data across fiber optics andcan be used to couple high speed data and video across the rail mountbetween a tactical rail and add-on modules.

Example Embodiments

The following example embodiments describe a Transmitter OpticalSub-Assembly (TOSA) and Receiver Optical Sub-Assembly (ROSA) that can beused with a firearm, an accessory such as a night vision goggle, or thelike, and implements a fiber optic subsystem that can be used for videoand data transmission. The TOSA and ROSA operate in conjunction with aserializer, fiber optic link and de-serializer to form a fiber opticcommunication channel for transmission of controls and data betweenaccessories and/or between an accessory and a firearm. Two fiber opticcommunication channels can be used for bi-directional communication.

The TOSA and ROSA are integrated into a common mechanical housing (e.g.,see FIG. 5). The TOSA operates from a single 2.5V power supply. Itoutputs a digital light stream corresponding to the differential SLVSelectrical signal at its input when powered and activated. The TOSAincludes a sleep mode that is entered when the ACT signal is set low(e.g., a signal on an electrical pin designated as the ACT pin, examplesof which are described with respect to FIG. 5). In this mode the TOSAconsumes less than or equal to about 1 μW, or less than or equal toabout 15 μW. The TOSA includes VCSEL, VCSEL Driver, Collimating optic,Window, Housing (Shared with ROSA).

The ROSA operates from two power supplies: 2.5V for the PIN Diode and1.2V for the trans-impedance amplifier. It outputs a differential SLVSelectrical signal corresponding to the light signal at its input when itis powered. The ROSA also includes a current monitor (IMON) whose outputmirrors the photodiode current. This signal may be used for feedback tothe transmitter to control the output power level. The ROSAautomatically enters a sleep mode to reduce power consumption withinless than or equal to about 5 μs of detecting line inactivity. The ROSAcan be prevented from entering the sleep mode by preventing absence ofline activity for periods longer than about 5 μs. In the sleep mode theROSA powers only an input detection circuit. It automatically exitssleep mode and resumes full-power operation within less than or equal toabout 100 μs of detecting line activity. The ROSA includes PIN Diode,Trans-impedance amplifer, Focusing optic, Window, Housing (shared withTOSA).

TOSA electrical parameters: Parameter Design Specification Powerconsumption (active mode) 5 mW maximum VSUPPLY Input voltage range(nominal 2.25 V minimum to 3.6 V 2.5 V) maximum Permissible VSUPPLYpower supply noise Max 100 mVp-p (0-10 GHz) Digital Input (DIN+, DIN−,ACT) SLVS-200 Common mode voltage on data lines 340 mV maximum Time fromapplied valid ACT signal to first 5 μs maximum valid outputDe-activation delay time 0.1 μs maximum VACT, H (Activation high voltagelevel, Min 1.0 V, Max 2.5 V Vsupply = 2.5 V) VACT, L (Activation lowvoltage level) Min 0 V, Max 0.4 V VACT maximum input voltage rating Maxnegative −0.5 V Maximum positive 3.6 V

TOSA optical parameters: Parameter Design Specification CenterWavelength 850 ± 10 nm Spectral Bandwidth ≤1 nm Bandwidth 0.7 GBPS

ROSA electrical parameters Parameter Design Specification TIA PowerConsumption (active) 7 mW (active) maximum TIA Power Consumption (sleep)3 μW(sleep) maximum Input voltage range - VSUPPLY (2.5 V 2.25 V minimumto Nominal) 3.6 V maximum Input voltage range - VCORE (1.2 V Nominal)1.15 V minimum to 1.25 V maximum Permissible power supply noise -VSUPPLY Max 200 mVp-p (0-10 GHz) Permissible power supply noise - VCOREMax 100 mVp-p (0-10 GHz) Sleep mode delay time delay 5 μs max afterdetecting line inactivity Sleep mode re-activation time delay 100 μs maxafter detecting line activity Digital Output SLVS-200

ROSA optical parameters Parameter Design Specification Input sensitivityfor 0.7 GBPS reception −17 dBm Bandwidth 1.25 GBPS Optical Wavelength850 ± 10 nm

ROSA/TOSA pin designations Transmitter/ Name Number Receiver DescriptionDIN+ 1 Transmitter Positive Differential Data Input VSUPPLY 2Transmitter 2.5 V Power Supply (Transmitter) ACT 3 Transmitter ActivatesVCSEL Driver - Active High DIN− 4 Transmitter Negative Differential DataInput VSUPPLY 5 Receiver 2.5 V Power Supply (PIN Diode) (Receiver) DOUT−6 Receiver Negative Differential Data Output IMON 7 Receiver ReceiverCurrent Monitor VCORE 8 Receiver 1.2 V Power Supply (Core) DOUT+ 9Receiver Positive Differential Data Output GND 10 Transmitter/ PowerSupply Ground Receiver

Optical element surface quality meets the specifications stated inMIL-PRF-13830. External optical surfaces exhibit neither damage (8.1)nor degradation of performance (8.2) when tested in accordance with theadhesion and severe abrasion tests of Appendix C of MIL-PRF-13830B.

The embodiments described herein are exemplary. Modifications,rearrangements, substitute processes, etc. may be made to theseembodiments and still be encompassed within the teachings set forthherein. One or more of the steps, processes, or methods described hereinmay be carried out by one or more processing and/or digital devices,suitably programmed.

Depending on the embodiment, certain acts, events, or functions of anyof the algorithms described herein can be performed in a differentsequence, can be added, merged, or left out altogether (e.g., not alldescribed acts or events are necessary for the practice of thealgorithm). Moreover, in certain embodiments, acts or events can beperformed concurrently, e.g., through multi-threaded processing,interrupt processing, or multiple processors or processor cores or onother parallel architectures, rather than sequentially.

The various illustrative logical blocks, modules, and algorithm stepsdescribed in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein can beimplemented as electronic hardware, computer software, or combinationsof both. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware andsoftware, various illustrative components, blocks, modules, and stepshave been described above generally in terms of their functionality.Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware or softwaredepends upon the particular application and design constraints imposedon the overall system. The described functionality can be implemented invarying ways for each particular application, but such implementationdecisions should not be interpreted as causing a departure from thescope of the disclosure.

The various illustrative logical blocks and modules described inconnection with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented orperformed by a machine, such as a processor configured with specificinstructions, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specificintegrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) orother programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic,discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed toperform the functions described herein. A processor can be amicroprocessor, but in the alternative, the processor can be acontroller, microcontroller, or state machine, combinations of the same,or the like. A processor can also be implemented as a combination ofcomputing devices, e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, aplurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunctionwith a DSP core, or any other such configuration. For example, the LUTdescribed herein may be implemented using a discrete memory chip, aportion of memory in a microprocessor, flash, EPROM, or other types ofmemory.

The elements of a method, process, or algorithm described in connectionwith the embodiments disclosed herein can be embodied directly inhardware, in a software module executed by a processor, or in acombination of the two. A software module can reside in RAM memory,flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, harddisk, a removable disk, a CD-ROM, or any other form of computer-readablestorage medium known in the art. An exemplary storage medium can becoupled to the processor such that the processor can read informationfrom, and write information to, the storage medium. In the alternative,the storage medium can be integral to the processor. The processor andthe storage medium can reside in an ASIC. A software module can comprisecomputer-executable instructions which cause a hardware processor toexecute the computer-executable instructions.

Conditional language used herein, such as, among others, “can,” “might,”“may,” “e.g.,” and the like, unless specifically stated otherwise, orotherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intendedto convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments donot include, certain features, elements and/or states. Thus, suchconditional language is not generally intended to imply that features,elements and/or states are in any way required for one or moreembodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logicfor deciding, with or without author input or prompting, whether thesefeatures, elements and/or states are included or are to be performed inany particular embodiment. The terms “comprising,” “including,”“having,” “involving,” and the like are synonymous and are usedinclusively, in an open-ended fashion, and do not exclude additionalelements, features, acts, operations, and so forth. Also, the term “or”is used in its inclusive sense (and not in its exclusive sense) so thatwhen used, for example, to connect a list of elements, the term “or”means one, some, or all of the elements in the list.

Disjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y or Z,”unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with thecontext as used in general to present that an item, term, etc., may beeither X, Y or Z, or any combination thereof (e.g., X, Y and/or Z).Thus, such disjunctive language is not generally intended to, and shouldnot, imply that certain embodiments require at least one of X, at leastone of Y or at least one of Z to each be present.

The terms “about” or “approximate” and the like are synonymous and areused to indicate that the value modified by the term has an understoodrange associated with it, where the range can be ±20%, ±15%, ±10%, ±5%,or ±1%. The term “substantially” is used to indicate that a result(e.g., measurement value) is close to a targeted value, where close canmean, for example, the result is within 80% of the value, within 90% ofthe value, within 95% of the value, or within 99% of the value.

Unless otherwise explicitly stated, articles such as “a” or “an” shouldgenerally be interpreted to include one or more described items.Accordingly, phrases such as “a device configured to” are intended toinclude one or more recited devices. Such one or more recited devicescan also be collectively configured to carry out the stated recitations.For example, “a processor configured to carry out recitations A, B andC” can include a first processor configured to carry out recitation Aworking in conjunction with a second processor configured to carry outrecitations B and C.

While the above detailed description has shown, described, and pointedout novel features as applied to illustrative embodiments, it will beunderstood that various omissions, substitutions, and changes in theform and details of the devices or algorithms illustrated can be madewithout departing from the spirit of the disclosure. As will berecognized, certain embodiments described herein can be embodied withina form that does not provide all of the features and benefits set forthherein, as some features can be used or practiced separately fromothers. All changes which come within the meaning and range ofequivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

What is claimed is:
 1. A firearm comprising: a tactical rail including at least one non-contact optical connection configured to interface with a corresponding non-contact optical connection on a firearm accessory, a transmit optical sub-assembly (TOSA) comprising a light source, a collimating optical element, and a window configured to receive light from the light source therethrough, wherein the TOSA is disposed within the tactical rail; and a receive optical sub-assembly (ROSA) comprising a focusing optical element and an optical detector configured to receive an optical signal from the firearm accessory, wherein the ROSA is disposed within the tactical rail.
 2. The firearm as recited in claim 1, wherein with the accessory mounted on the tactical rail, the non-contact optical connections on the tactical rail and the accessory align sufficiently such that optical signals can be transferred between the tactical rail and the accessory to enable communication of optical signals between accessories mounted on the tactical rail and/or between an accessory mounted to the tactical rail and the firearm itself.
 3. The tactical rail arrangement as recited in claim 1, wherein the tactical rail comprises a plurality of ridges having a T-shaped cross-section.
 4. The tactical rail arrangement as recited in claim 1, further comprising a second non-contact optical connection configured to transmit and receive optical signals to a second firearm accessory.
 5. The tactical rail arrangement as recited in claim 1, further comprising an accessory mount configured to receive the firearm accessory.
 6. The tactical rail arrangement as recited in claim 5, wherein the accessory mount comprises an integral conductive element disposed within and/or along a side of the accessory side.
 7. The tactical rail arrangement as recited in claim 6, wherein the conductive element is disposed along a groove.
 8. The tactical rail arrangement as recited in claim 1, wherein the TOSA comprises a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL).
 9. A tactical rail arrangement for a firearm comprising: a tactical rail configured to secure one or more firearm accessories to a firearm, wherein the tactical rail includes a plurality of non-contact optical connections configured to transfer optical signals between one or more accessories mounted to the tactical rail and/or to one or more electrical systems of the firearm; a transmit optical sub-assembly (TOSA) comprising a light-collimating optical element; and a receive optical sub-assembly (ROSA) comprising a light-focusing optical element, wherein the TOSA and ROSA are respectively coupled to one or more transmit non-contact optical connections of the plurality of noncontact optical connections and to one or more receive non-contact optical connections of the plurality of non-contact optical connections.
 10. The tactical rail arrangement as recited in claim 9, wherein the TOSA is configured to optically couple with a corresponding ROSA disposed within the firearm accessory, and wherein the ROSA of the tactical rail is configured to optically couple with a corresponding TOSA disposed within the firearm accessory.
 11. The tactical rail arrangement as recited in claim 9, wherein the tactical rail is configured to provide a communication network for accessories mounted to the tactical rail, wherein communication between accessories utilizes optical signals.
 12. The tactical rail arrangement as recited in claim 11, wherein the tactical rail is configured to control communication across the communication network utilizing a communication system.
 13. The tactical rail arrangement as recited in claim 12, wherein the communication system is integral to the firearm or otherwise associated with the firearm.
 14. The tactical rail arrangement as recited in claim 9, wherein the tactical rail comprises a plurality of ridges having a T-shaped cross-section.
 15. The tactical rail arrangement as recited in claim 9, further comprising a second non-contact optical connection configured to transmit and receive optical signals to a second firearm accessory.
 16. The tactical rail arrangement as recited in claim 9, further comprising an accessory mount configured to receive the firearm accessory.
 17. The tactical rail arrangement as recited in claim 16, wherein the accessory mount comprises an integral conductive element disposed within and/or along a side of the accessory side.
 18. The tactical rail arrangement as recited in claim 17, wherein the conductive element is disposed along a groove.
 19. The tactical rail arrangement as recited in claim 18, wherein the TOSA comprises a VCSEL.
 20. The tactical rail arrangement as recited in claim 9, wherein with the accessory mounted on the tactical rail, the non-contact optical connections on the tactical rail and the accessory align sufficiently such that optical signals can be transferred between the tactical rail and the accessory to enable communication of optical signals between accessories mounted on the tactical rail and/or between an accessory mounted to the tactical rail and the firearm itself. 